2025 Hurricane Season in Florida: Key Property Insurance Tips and Resources

Picture of Mary Prieto
Mary Prieto

As the 2025 hurricane season begins, Florida homeowners and real estate investors are facing a heightened sense of urgency. The Atlantic has already produced its first named storm earlier than average, and both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University (CSU) are predicting an above-average season. Forecasts call for as many as 17 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 5 major hurricanes. Warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions are setting the stage for an active few months ahead.

For property owners in Florida, securing and reviewing insurance coverage must be a priority before the next storm is on the radar. Acting now can mean the difference between a manageable recovery and devastating financial loss.

Why Hurricane Season Coverage Matters in 2025

Florida is no stranger to hurricanes. According to NOAA historical records, the state has endured more than 120 hurricane landfalls since 1851, more than any other U.S. state. The combination of its long coastline, warm waters, and geographic position makes it a magnet for tropical storms and hurricanes.

While the physical damage caused by hurricanes is the most visible threat, the financial toll can be equally severe. A comprehensive insurance policy can cover wind damage, personal property loss, and in some cases additional living expenses if you are forced to relocate during repairs. However, one of the most common and costly hurricane-related risks is flooding, which is not covered under standard homeowners insurance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warns that just 5 inches of floodwater can cause more than $25,000 in damage. Without separate flood insurance, homeowners could face enormous out-of-pocket costs for repairs and replacement. This is especially relevant in 2025 as FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 has shifted how flood insurance premiums are calculated, meaning some property owners are seeing higher costs while others are benefiting from more accurate pricing.

Acting Before a Storm is Named

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is waiting until a storm appears in the forecast to make changes to their insurance policies. Once the National Hurricane Center issues alerts or officially names a storm, many insurance companies place moratoriums on issuing new policies or making changes to existing ones. These moratoriums can last for days or even weeks and may prevent you from:

  • Increasing coverage limits
  • Adding endorsements or riders
  • Purchasing additional protection

This is why reviewing your coverage well before a storm is on the horizon is essential. Once a storm is named, your options to make adjustments will be severely limited.

Understanding The Types of Coverage You May Need

Homeowners Insurance

The foundation of most property protection, standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage and other perils. However, it does not include flood damage, which must be purchased separately. Review your coverage limits to ensure they reflect current rebuild costs in 2025, and confirm your policy includes Additional Living Expenses (ALE) in case you need to relocate during repairs.

Flood Insurance

Flooding is one of the most common and costly consequences of hurricanes in Florida. Flood insurance, available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers, covers damage caused by storm surge, heavy rain, or overflowing waterways. Under FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0, premiums are calculated more precisely based on individual property risk, which can increase costs for high-risk zones.

Hurricane or Windstorm Insurance

Hurricane or windstorm insurance, often offered as an add-on or separate policy, specifically addresses damage from hurricane-force winds and wind-driven rain. In Florida, these policies often come with a named storm deductible, which is calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value. According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, this can range from 1 percent to 10 percent, representing a significant out-of-pocket expense in the event of a claim. In Florida, homeowners are only required to pay one hurricane deductible within the calendar year, provided that they have maintained coverage with the same insurance company for the second or subsequent hurricanes during the same calendar year.

Other Coverages to Consider

Beyond these core protections, some homeowners may consider:

  • Extended replacement cost coverage: Expands your dwelling coverage by 10% to 50% of the cost to rebuild your home
  • High-value item riders: An addition to your insurance policy to include extra coverage for valuable articles (e.g. artwork, jewelry, collectibles)
  • Business property coverage: Helps protect your business' personal property and equipment

Ensuring Your Coverage is Sufficient

The first step in hurricane season preparedness is to review your current insurance policy in detail. Look at your dwelling coverage, personal property limits, and additional living expenses (ALE) coverage to ensure they reflect the true cost to rebuild or replace in today’s market. Construction and material costs in Florida have risen significantly over the past few years. Recent reports show that 82% of construction materials have experienced significant costs increases since 2020.

Consulting with an insurance professional can help identify gaps in your coverage and ensure you have the right combination of policies for your property’s location and risk profile. An advisor can also walk you through deductibles for hurricane and windstorm damage, helping you plan for what you would need to pay out-of-pocket in the event of a claim.

It is also wise to create digital documentation of home inventory. Document your belongings with photos, video walkthroughs, receipts, and serial numbers, and store these records on your phone or in the cloud to ensure you can access them from anywhere. This documentation can streamline the claims process and help ensure you receive accurate reimbursement for your losses.

Common Misconceptions on Property Insurance 

Even in hurricane-prone Florida, many homeowners misunderstand what their insurance policies actually cover. Clearing up these misconceptions before a storm hits can prevent costly surprises.

  • “My homeowners policy covers flood damage.”
    It does not. Flood damage is excluded from standard homeowners insurance and must be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
  • “I live inland, so I do not need hurricane coverage.”
    Hurricanes can cause wind and flood damage far from the coast. According to FEMA, inland flooding often accounts for a significant portion of hurricane-related losses.
  • “Hurricane coverage will rebuild my home no matter the cost.”
    Policies have coverage limits and deductibles. If your limits do not reflect current rebuilding costs, you may be left paying the difference out of pocket.
  • “I can add coverage when a storm forms.”
    Once a storm is named, insurers can impose moratoriums on new policies or policy changes. You may not be able to adjust coverage until after the storm has passed.

How to File a Claim After a Hurricane

If your property is damaged in a hurricane, the claims process begins with documentation. Take clear, comprehensive photos and videos from multiple angles, noting both structural damage and affected personal property. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage and begin the claims process, providing your policy number and all necessary details.

An adjuster will likely visit to assess the damage and determine the payout. Keep a record of all communication with your insurer, and save receipts for:

  • Temporary repairs
  • Hotel stays
  • Relocation costs

Many insurers now offer mobile apps or online portals to track claim status and upload documentation, which can help speed up the process and allow you to manage your claim from anywhere. 

Proactive Measures to Protect Your Property and Reduce Costs

While insurance is critical, mitigation measures can reduce both the risk of damage and the cost of premiums. Upgrades such as impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofing, and storm shutters provide physical protection from high winds and flying debris. Regular maintenance, including cleaning gutters, securing outdoor furniture, and trimming trees, can also prevent avoidable damage.

In Florida, homeowners can schedule windstorm mitigation inspections that assess the storm readiness of their property. According to the Florida Department of Financial Services, qualifying upgrades identified through these inspections can result in premium discounts of up to 45%. Some property owners are also choosing to build or retrofit to Fortified standards, a set of construction guidelines designed to help buildings withstand extreme weather, which may qualify for additional insurance discounts.

Helpful recap on ways to mitigate storm damage and stay prepared:

  • Install impact-resistant windows and doors
  • Reinforce your roof with hurricane straps or clips
  • Add storm shutters
  • Schedule a windstorm mitigation inspection
  • Maintain your property year-round
  • Consider fortified construction standards
  • Keep an updated emergency supply kit

Considerations for Real Estate Investors

For real estate investors in Florida, hurricanes introduce both immediate physical risk and long-term financial considerations that can directly impact the profitability and stability of an investment. Beyond securing financing and finding the right property, protecting that asset through adequate insurance is an essential part of any sound investment strategy.

Lenders in Florida typically require proof of hurricane and flood coverage before closing, and those requirements can vary depending on the property’s location, building type, and risk exposure. In addition, the state’s insurance market has experienced premium increases and policy non-renewals in recent years, making it more important than ever to factor insurance costs into acquisition and holding decisions from the start.

When evaluating hurricane risk in Florida as part of your investment strategy, consider:

  • Location-specific risk: Properties in coastal communities, barrier islands, or low-lying flood-prone areas can face significantly higher premiums. Use FEMA flood maps and historical NOAA storm track data to assess exposure.
  • Lender coverage requirements: Florida lenders may require specific named storm deductible caps or additional endorsements for windstorm or flood coverage, particularly in designated wind-borne debris regions.
  • Vacant home insurance: Many standard policies limit or exclude certain protections if a home remains unoccupied for an extended period, even if it is furnished and maintained. This is common for seasonal properties or vacation homes in Florida, particularly those owned by out-of-towners or foreign nationals who do not reside locally year-round. Adding an unoccupied or seasonal home endorsement, or securing a specialty policy, can help ensure the property remains protected during these gaps in occupancy

Resources for Hurricane Preparedness and Insurance Information

Staying informed is one of the most important parts of hurricane preparation. These resources provide up-to-date information and practical guidance:

Safeguarding Your Investment

The 2025 hurricane season has already begun, and with predictions pointing to a particularly active year, now is the time to act. Reviewing your insurance coverage, making necessary updates, and taking proactive steps to protect your property can make all the difference when the next storm arrives.

At Vaster, we are dedicated to inform and empower homeowners and real estate investors with timely, relevant information. While our expertise lies in helping clients secure tailored financing solutions, we know that a sound real estate strategy goes beyond the numbers. Understanding how factors like insurance, property resilience, and market conditions intersect can help you make more confident, informed investment decisions.

Whether you are evaluating your current portfolio, exploring new opportunities, or simply staying ahead of seasonal risks, we believe access to the right information is essential for success in South Florida’s dynamic real estate market.

For more information on our financing solutions, please contact us. 

Disclaimer:  We encourage all homeowners and investors to speak directly with their insurance company or a licensed insurance agent before making any coverage decisions. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional insurance advice.

Sources:

US hurricane landfalls | NOAA

Everyone Needs Flood Insurance | FEMA.gov

Flood Insurance: What It Is And What It Covers | Forbes Advisor

Hurricane │ Protect Your Property (Mitigation and Retrofitting) | FEMA

Be the first to know.

Get exclusive access to our latest insights and upcoming events